Blood Hollow

After 17-year-old Charlotte Kane, the beautiful, brilliant, and brooding daughter of a rich widower, disappears on a drunken New Years' Eve snowmobile ride, a raging blizzard soon snuffs out all search efforts. When her body is found during the spring thaw four months later, preliminary evidence implicates her ex-boyfriend: Ojibwe bad-boy Solemn Winter Moon. But then a second Charlotte Kane turns up dead, and Cork isn't sure of anything any more.

I hung in there until the end of the story, but wanted to quit every time it started getting preachy and so so very spiritual. I thought this was going to be a police procedural, but I saw every turn coming before the twist because Krueger has become predictable with this one.

The narrator, David Chandler, reads these stories, but does not act or perform them. I think I would enjoy the stories more if there were more emotion and expression.

My opinion is that Krueger is a very capable writer. I have enjoyed his previous books, but he lost me with this story in the series. Will I try again? Yes, I will give it one more try in the future.

Raven Black: Book One of the Shetland Island Quartet

It is a cold January morning and Shetland lies beneath a deep layer of snow. Trudging home, Fran Hunter's eye is drawn to a splash of color on the frozen ground, ravens circling above. It is the strangled body of her teenage neighbor, Catherine Ross. The locals on the quiet island stubbornly focus their gaze on one man - loner and simpleton Magnus Tait.

I love a book that has me researching the internet and my atlas for more information about the place. The Shetlands was the perfect location for the moody feel of this story. I can see why Ann Cleeves is a beloved author of thrillers from the United Kingdom. I particularly liked how the mood and place were as much a part of the story as the people and plotting. All were developed gradually and consistently. Jimmy Perez is a detective I will follow for as many selections that Audible will provide -- which I hope will be many. The narration was excellent.

Sometimes the story slowed down, but in the end, it all makes sense, and I was surprised by the outcome. I noticed in my research that the BBC has a 2014 TV series called "Shetland" that is based on Ann Cleves stories of Jimmie Perez. This TV series is not available in the US yet, but I will be checking regularly. I would love to watch them, too.

The Girl on the Train: A Novel

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. "Jess and Jason," she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good? Compulsively readable, The Girl on the Train is an emotionally immersive, Hitchcockian thriller and an electrifying debut.

This book was on my "must listen" list because I actually take the 8AM train into work each day. Like "Rear Window", I can easily imagine looking into the windows and backyards while imagining what kind of life the occupants lead.

Three characters tell this story from their viewpoint. I am so glad that Audible chose three different narrators for Rachel, Anne and Meghan. It made this story much easier to follow when each scene changed. Like "Good Girl" none of these characters are candidates for citizen of the year. In addition, can you rely on their viewpoint? Rachel's life is a drunken shambles, Anne is the "other woman" and Meghan goes missing and we are not sure why.

This is a twisty, well plotted mystery that will keep you riveted and guessing to the very end. Occasionally, I listened to a chapter again and continued to make links with other information I learned. Listen carefully and you will be rewarded. This book will be a huge success. Enjoy!

Dregs

Four feet…from four different victims? In Stavern around midsummer a severed left foot in a training shoe is washed up on the shore. Then another, and yet another. Altogether four left feet in the course of one week. Police Inspector William Wisting has many years of murder experience behind him, but he has never examined evidence like this. Four feet…from four different victims?

What a macabre beginning! Why are all these left feet showing up on Norway's shore? Steig Larsson's legacy continues as we get exposed to more Scandinavian mysteries and procedurals that are worthy of our listen. Horst has written a good book that includes lots of details about Norwegian life, criminal system, banking and other topics. I thought this police procedural was well paced and the reveal of information made sense. Kudos to Horst on his writing and well developed characters. I struggled with keeping up with the numerous names. Fortunately, the chapters are short in case you have to listen a second time.

I feel very neutral about the narrator. He did a fine job with the pronunciation of difficult language. He voice did not distract or enhance -- just neutral.

Whenever I listen to a Scandinavian book, I find myself spending lots of time on the internet researching vacations in Norway and Sweden. I will get there some day.

Laidlaw

Meet Jack Laidlaw, the original damaged detective. When a young woman is found brutally murdered on Glasgow Green, only Laidlaw stands a chance of finding her murderer from among the hard men, gangland villains and self-made moneymen who lurk in the city's shadows.Winner of the CWA Silver Dagger.

I had to listen to each chapter multiple times as I found the thick Scottish diction / accent hard to understand. The author, William McIlvanney, narrated his book. I wish someone had told him the accent is fine, but more enunciation is required for the average listener. I love books with strong accents, but this one was too difficult for me no matter how hard I focused.

I like the character Laidlaw a great deal, but the story was mediocre. There is a twist or two, but you know who the murderer is early in the book. It is more of a story how multiple people looking for the same person come together in the end.

I will definitely try another McIlvanney book in the future, but may have to read it on my Kindle instead of listen on Audible.

Wait for Signs

Ten years ago, Craig Johnson wrote his first short story, the Hillerman Award-winning "Old Indian Trick". This was one of the earliest appearances of the sheriff who would go on to star in Johnson’s best-selling, award-winning novels and the A&E hit series Longmire. Each Christmas Eve thereafter, fans rejoiced when Johnson sent out a new short story featuring an episode in Walt’s life that doesn’t appear in the novels; over the years, many have asked why they can’t buy the stories in book form.

This batch of short stories all have a holiday theme with Longmire and his associates. I enjoyed listening to each of them so much during the Christmas season. During this listen I laughed, was touched and was filled with joy. George Guidall did his usual great job as narrator. I now have a new Christmas tradition as I will be listening to these short stories during the holidays every year.

Norwegian by Night

Sheldon Horowitz - 82 years old, impatient, and unreasonable - is staying with his granddaughter's family in Norway when he disappears with a stranger's child. Sheldon is an ex-Marine, and he feels responsible for his son's death in Vietnam. Recently widowed and bereft, he talks to the ghosts of his past constantly. To Norway's cops, Sheldon is just an old man who is coming undone at the end of a long and hard life. But Sheldon is clear in his own mind.

After cheering for Sheldon and drying my eyes when this book ended, I gave it a few minutes thought that I might have to update my "All Time Favorite Books" list. Why isn't everyone talking about this book? It was so good, yet different from anything else in the "mystery / thriller" genre.

Within minutes of this book starting, I became very invested in the life of 82 year old Sheldon and later to Paul, his neighbor's 5 year old son, as they are on the run from pure evil. Sheldon recalls his Korean War sniper days and uses that knowledge to out-wit his pursuers and survive. While some of the story is sad as Sheldon looks back over his life, I remember chuckling several times from the great wit that carries through the book. The writing and narration are worthy of the praise from many reviews.

The last 2 hours had me sitting on the edge of my seat, heart pounding. I envy all those just starting on this book. You have a great journey ahead of you. Enjoy.

The Murder Bag

Twenty years ago seven students became friends at their exclusive private school, Potter's Field. Now they have started dying in the most violent way imaginable. Detective Max Wolfe follows the bloody trail from the backstreets and bright lights of the city, to the darkest corners of the corridors of power. As the bodies pile up, Max finds he is fighting not only for justice, but for his own life....

After finishing this audio book, I checked out this author and found out this is the start of a trilogy. My first thought was -- "only 2 more books with Max Wolfe!" I can honestly say I will be grieving halfway through the 3rd book if this character's story ends. I imagine by that time Tony Parsons will be selling lots of books and his editor will be thinking up ways to continue the story with DC Wolfe, his young daughter and their dog.

I don't know this author but he must have a strong writing background. I particularly loved how there were violent, heart-beating scenes, but no goriness. The author's knowledge of police procedure and his strong plotting of the story was a delight to me. I didn't want to stop listening as I drove closer to my home. I thought up errands in order to continue my drive and the listen. Colin Mace is a wonderful narrator -- top notch!

Even if you think you have it figured out, you will still want to hear every word. Especially since a twist is awaiting you in the end. Loved it!

Bad Blood: A Virgil Flowers Novel

One late fall Sunday in southern Minnesota, a farmer brings a load of soybeans to a local grain elevator - and a young man hits him on the head with a steel bar, drops him into the grain bin, waits until he's sure he's dead, and then calls the sheriff to report the "accident." Suspicious, the sheriff calls in Virgil Flowers, who quickly breaks the kid down...and the next day the boy's found hanging in his cell. Remorse? Virgil isn't so sure....

I have read several Virgil Flowers books and understand why his character is much admired by listeners. The best part of this book was keeping up with the character.

Yet, I can't recommend the listen because I lost almost all interest once John Sanford revealed the identity of the killers and the mystery before I even reached the half-way point of the book. I enjoy true whodunits and want the go through the gradual reveal of clues. I listened for another hour or so, but my mind kept wondering and I wasn't willing to re-listen to parts I missed. I finally threw in the towel. Do you do the same? Under what circumstances do you stop listening to a book that used up a valuable credit?

I will say that Eric Conger did his usual outstanding job with the narration of this series.

Big Little Lies

Pirriwee Public's annual school Trivia Night has ended in a shocking riot. One parent is dead. The school principal is horrified. As police investigate what appears to have been a tragic accident, signs begin to indicate that this devastating death might have been cold-blooded murder. In this thought-provoking novel, number-one New York Times best-selling author Liane Moriarty deftly explores the reality of parenting and playground politics, ex-husbands and ex-wives, and fractured families.

Kindergarten Politics. I never had children, but I imagine that those two words strike heart-stopping fear in any parent with a child entering elementary school. Liane Moriarty took me through the experience with all the irony, hilarity, fear and poignancy possible. I loved the format of the story-telling. It was clear who was talking at each point of the story, but the story was written to allow each witness to say a paragraph or so about how they saw the event. As you can imagine, lots of differing viewpoints. For the main characters, Madeline, Celeste and Jane, their stories alternated from chapter to chapter. I would love to meet them for coffee anytime.

The narrator was outstanding in every way. I always knew who was talking, but the emotions generated by these stories were clear to the listener. I have no complaints with this narrator.

There is a death and an investigation, but it is actually minor to the rest of the story. Just the setting for the death, a Kindergarten Trivia Night in which everyone dressed as Elvis or Audry Hepburn, makes it funny to me.

If this book sounds like something you would never want to hear, let me tell you, I resisted my many friends begging me to read this story. Boy, am I glad I got away from my comfort zone to listen to this excellent story. I will go to Liane Moriarty again!!

Obit: A Collins-Burke Mystery, Book 2

Long ago, Declan Burke fled Ireland in the dark of night, started a new life in New York City, and has never looked back - until one morning when he picks up the newspaper and reads the obituary of one Cathal Murphy. He sees at once that the obituary is a coded summary of his own life and probably a thinly veiled death threat. He turns to Halifax lawyer Monty Collins for advice, but when Monty starts to investigate the obit’s allusions to Declan’s IRA past, Declan decides to keep his lips sealed.

I loved Anne Emery's first book, "The Sign of the Cross". This book was just mediocre. My mind wandered frequently, and I couldn't get into the mood to replay sections I missed. I think the main problem for me was that the story line just didn't feel right. I couldn't believe an obituary was a coded and veiled threat against Father Burke's father. Collins and Burke couldn't even determine until late in the story if the threat was recent or decades old (from Declan Burke's days associated with the IRA in Ireland). There were so many characters with complex stories, and it took so long to get to a resolution. I wish the book had been based in Halifax instead of NYC.

I still love the characters and narrator. I will definitely try the next book in the series.

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